Cool new Google Now trick leaks crucial detail about the future of Android

%name Cool new Google Now trick leaks crucial detail about the future of Android by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

Google on Wednesday revealed on Twitter that Google Now will offer soccer fans World Cup scores and match schedules on Android and iOS, a great new feature – at least for some smartphone owners – that arrives just in time for this year’s major soccer event. In addition to revealing the new Google Now feature, Google also provided an image showing how World Cup scores would look in Google Now, revealing – intentionally or by mistake – one important detail about Android’s future.

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Reflecting on the Go Kart Kraze

opening shot  300x221 Reflecting on the Go Kart Kraze by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

The year was 1956. Art Ingeles is a veteran Hot Rodder who spends his days working for the Kurtis Kraft Company.

The Kurtis Kraft Company was a well-known fabrication company known for building midget cars, quarter midget cars, Bonneville Cars, USAC Championship Cars and Indy Cars.

The company was founded by Frank Kurtis who built his first midget car chassis in the late 1930s.

In his off hours, Art designed and built a lightweight tubular chassis that was strong enough to hold his 210-pound body. To that frame, he added a set of semi-pneumatic tires and a simple steering mechanism.

He then rounded up a surplus West Bend 2-cycle lawn mower engine and attached that behind the seat. Using a steel sprocket gear on the engine and another on the left rear wheel assembly, he connected the two using a bicycle chain. Adding a gas tank and some controls and Art had a car…of sorts. When Art drove his new creation in the back alleys and tennis courts in the neighborhood, crowds of people would gather wanting to know where they could get one of those little cars.

Fast forward…its 1958 and Duffy Livingstone and Roy Desbrow are partners in a muffler shop called GP Mufflers located in Monrovia, CA. Both Duff and Roy are quite handy at fabricating and building projects out of metal.

After seeing Art’s creation the two partners decide to build a “car” of their own.

They ended up building a couple of extras for friends including one for Bill Jeffery who in exchange did the upholstery for all of the cars.

Bill Rowles a local sales rep and a regular at the GP Muffler shop, found a source for cheap 2-cycle West Bend engines from a bankrupt rotary lawn mower company. The GP Muffler Company was officially in the “kart” business.

The GP-built karts were officially named “Go Karts” and were offered for sale via mail order for the modest sum of $129.00

Business was brisk so the three partners formed a loose partnership and continued to work out of the GP muffler shop for the next two years.

Mail Order Rides

Soon, an average of 30 orders a day began arriving in the mailbox. It was time to get serious.

The partners formed an official corporation and rented a five-acre ­facility in Azusa, CA from the Aero Jet General Corporation.

A test track was built at the new facility and the company formed a factory race team to promote its product.

kart1 copy 300x168 Reflecting on the Go Kart Kraze by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

Marketed as a purchase that would be fun for the whole family, a typical kart would run about $130 in the 1960s, and ­provide some engine enthusiasts the opportunity to try and gain more power from an ­engine.

The “Go Kart” Company began flying its six driver, four mechanic race team, and seven or eight karts and spare parts to places like Mansfield, OH, Rockford, IL, and the Bahamas for newly established karting events.

The company also had a converted bus that hauled the team to regional events throughout California.

Its closest competitor, the new upstart Bug Engineering Company, was located literally down the street from the Go Kart company.

Competition was intense between the two companies – both off and on the track. The teams would often race their transport buses between events.

According to one report, Bug Engineering was producing as many as 320 complete vehicles a day.

By 1962, (the peak of the karting craze), there were more than 30 manufacturers building karts.

The Go Kart was the original and soon attracted the attention of an unlikely buyer…Art Linkletter Enterprises (ALE).

Art offered to buy the Go Kart company in 1962 for the respectable sum of $750,000 dollars with the terms being $250,000 up front and the balance to be paid at the end of one year.

No Go

The Go Kart Company partners ­declined the offer in part because the proposal gave immediate control, ­including the day-to-day management of the company to Art ­Linkletter Enterprises.

gokartbus copy 300x201 Reflecting on the Go Kart Kraze by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

The Go Kart Company used a renovated bus to haul its race team around parts of California during the “kart craze” days.

The Go Kart company was convinced that ALE did not have the ability to properly manage the company.

Ironically, the Go Kart Manufacturing Co. would find itself in bankruptcy less than a year later, due in part to the recession and declining sales of the karts.

The karting craze was ending as fast as it began.

Meanwhile, the Go Kart company continued to spend money even though sales were steadily falling…which forced the company into bankruptcy. They would not be alone; many like companies would go down the same path.

One bit of irony concerning the Go Kart Manufacturing Company is that for a couple of years prior to its bankruptcy, the company was involved in a legal battle over the “Go Kart” name.

The Fox Body Company of Janesville, WI, called their Kart the “Go Boy Kart,” which the Go Kart Company said was an infringement on its trademark name, so it took the Fox Body Company to court for trademark infringement.

Fox in turn filed a motion in court to have the Go Kart trademark name dissolved, claiming the name was generic. The court battle continued, and remained undecided.

kart1r copy 292x300 Reflecting on the Go Kart Kraze by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

By the early 1960s, there were nearly 30 manufacturers building the popular, yet simple, kart racers.

When the Go Kart Manufacturing Company ended up in bankruptcy, the Fox Company bought the Go Kart name from the bankrupt estate for just a few hundred dollars.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to track down an owner of one of those early racing karts. It was well hidden in the rafters of his garage where it had been for close to 40 years.

I asked to buy it, but it was not for sale.

Lots of fond memories he says. “We took the stock motor milled down the head, stroked the crank and a few other things that everybody else had figured out and we were getting 8 to 10 horsepower from a once stock 5 horsepower engine…That was not good enough, so we decided to add a second engine on the other side.

During a test lap on a side street early on a Sunday morning, the local policeman clocked me at 77 miles an hour.

He was impressed at first, then we had a little talk.

“My buddies and I had a flash of guilt and common sense when we stopped to realize how fast that was when you are literally riding four inches off the ground,” the classic kart owner explained.

“All it would have taken was one pothole or a small rock to wipe me out for good, not to mention a car pulling out from a side street. I have kept the kart all of these years as a reminder of the fun we had, but also as a reminder of how lucky I was, and how things could have ended up a lot different…”

Boberick 5 copy 300x235 Reflecting on the Go Kart Kraze by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

The “Go Kart” Company began ­flying its six driver, four mechanic race team, and seven or eight karts and spare parts to places like Mansfield, OH, Rockford, IL, and the Bahamas for newly established karting events.

I still want one of those karts, even now that I am old enough to know better. I grew up riding dirt bike motorcycles instead.

Oddly enough, in my neighborhood, the parents considered dirt bikes to be safer than Go Karts because they did not go as fast. Little did they know!

The post Reflecting on the Go Kart Kraze appeared first on Engine Builder Magazine.

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Massive Gmail bug may have exposed every single user’s address

%name Massive Gmail bug may have exposed every single user’s address by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

A huge flaw in Google’s wildly popular Gmail service was recently discovered that may have exposed the email addresses of every single user. According to a report from Wired, security researcher Oren Hafif found and helped Google fix a serious bug that left Gmail users’ email addresses exposed to anyone with a bit of patience. While digging up addresses would have taken quite a bit of time, the report notes that the bug had existed for years before it was fixed, and it easily could have been utilized to obtain every Gmail user’s address.

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June Shop Solutions

In Depth Deck Discussion

I’ve found another use for a deck height bridge. When replacing seats on race cylinder heads, especially Big Block Chevys, I use a deck bridge with an indicator extension to first check where the valve was and should be. Then, when machining the seats, it’s an easy way to get all the valves to the same depth from the gasket surface. This can be very important for piston to valve clearance and equalizing chambers.

It worked for me.

Randy Torvinen

Torvinen’s Machine

Menahga, MN

A Business Without A Sign Is A Sign Of No Business

The U.S. Census reports 18% of households relocate every year, meaning new potential customers pass your building every day. A one-time investment in a well-designed sign will pay for itself very quickly. Signs are cheap to produce and if they are mounted on your property or hang on your vehicle there is no monthly advertising cost, and they work 24-7.

Three signs to consider: 1) STREET signs should be large enough to be seen from all directions and include just enough information to let drivers know the nature of the business. Include your company name, type of business and phone number.

2) BUILDING signs can include more information because the reader is generally stationary. These signs should include your company services and other contact information like your web address.

3) VEHICLE are rolling billboards and are a great form of advertising. At the very least your company vehicles should display removable magnetic signs listing your company name and phone number. More aggressive marketers will paint a permanent message, or wrap the entire vehicle in advertising.

Don’t miss out on maximizing your advertising potential by not utilizing this cheap form of marketing. Signs are a great advertising value.

Steve Rich

Sterling Bearing, Inc.

Kansas City, MO

Saving The Old Parts Will Save You Money

Many times a customer sends a head in with spark plugs in it, a temp sender or an exhaust gasket still attached. No matter what is on the head or block when it comes in, save it. From time to time, our customer will come back looking for his old plugs or gasket to re-use. We end up buying him new ones since we threw it out. No matter how bad the part is, let him or her make the decision to throw it out.

Jeffrey Myers

MAR Automotive, INC

Philadelphia, PA

Too Tight Tensioner Torque

We have found that failures on 4.0L Ford SOHC secondary timing tensioners may be due to over torquing the tensioner at the time of installation and failure to replace the volume reduction plug. We compared the revised instructions included with the OEM Ford tensioner (32 lb.-ft.) and the instructions given by other industry sources (49 lb.-ft.).

From now on, we will include the installation instructions from Ford with our parts.

DNJ Engine Components

Chatsworth, CA

Main Bearing Rapture For The Raptor

Here are some bits of info on the new Ford 5.8L modular engine. It seems Clevite, nor any other bearing manufacturer, have a listing for the main bearings for this engine. Here is a helping hand. Order part number MS2202H quantity of 2. From the second set of main bearings, use the lower halves of position 2, 3, or 4 to replace the halves bearings in the first set that do not have a receiver notch provision in the block. This is a quick fix for those who want to build this engine and/or want the aftermarket Clevite bearing for extreme boosted applications. I have contacted Clevite to investigate the findings to confirm, but it worked for my customer.

Roy A. Maloney

Engine & Performance Warehouse

Denver, CO

Spark Plug Plugs

Most popular engines have 14 MM and 18 MM spark plugs. The paper cup type from engine equipment suppliers, or tape, will pop out when the engine is turned over. I discovered an economical way to plug the spark plug holes. 1/4 pipe loosely threads into 14 MM spark plug holes. 3/8 pipe fits about the same way into 18MM spark plug holes.

Our hardware store has plastic NYL 3/8 pipe by 3/8 barb fittings with a 3/4 OD hex and 1/4 pipe with 3/8 barb and a hex, just like brass universal fuel fitting. Only the plastic ones are only 59-69 cents a piece. When snugged down with a thin 6-point socket, the plastic hex locks down against the head, and the plastic fitting will stay put.

To cap the 3/8 flare I use a 1.5 inch piece of 3/8 ID cheap clear vinyl hose. I cut a small piece of new red scotch bright, fold it and stick it flush, or slightly below, in the top 1/2 inch of the cut off hose. Push the open end of the hose over the first barb. Now the spark plug holes are protected, and you can turn the engine over freely and not have the caps pop off.

Another plus is, if storing for long periods, light oil can be applied onto the scotch bright to wick down into the cylinders. Or just remove the hose caps and put a few drops into the barb’s opening.

Animal Jim Feurer

Animal Jim Racing

Lacon, IL.

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Consumer Reports lists most disappointing cars of 2014

01 2012 scion iq review Consumer Reports lists most disappointing cars of 2014 by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

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There’s no doubt that the dedicated team at Consumer Reports is a great resource for new car buyers, as they aim to provide valuable insight on new cars and topics including the top new car brands of 2014 and ranking things like the worst in-car infotainment systems.

While all new cars can’t be winners, this recently released list of Consumer Reports most disappointing cars of 2014 offers a cringe-inducing contrast to the usual list of top vehicle picks they’re often known to praise.

This lackluster list of disappointing vehicles is based on cars, trucks and SUVs that ranked and performed well below the recommended threshold by Consumer Reports standards, earning them the some of the lowest test scores in 2014.

Although these new 2014 models may be in fact be better than the old clunker you plan to trade in, they simply do not hold up well against the latest competition. Simply stated: There are many better vehicles available for closely comparable prices.

Click here to take a look at this disappointing dozen of new cars and find out why Consumer Reports disliked them so much.

Consumer Reports lists most disappointing cars of 2014

Consumer Reports lists most disappointing cars of 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 12 Jun 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scat Chevy Crankshaft

%name Scat Chevy Crankshaft by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

Scat offers a new 9000 Cast GMC diesel crankshaft available for the Chevy 6.5L engines. For stock replacement or mild performance use, why risk running an old factory crankshaft? Scat offers builders a new, stronger replacement.

Features include: precision-ground, straight-shot oil holes and rough balanced — all at a great low cost. p/n: 9-6.5L-3819-6280 Short No. 965L3819. Stroke: 3.819”. Min. Rod Length: 6.280”. Rod Journal: 2.399”. www.scatcrankshafts.com.

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Fuelab Power Stroke Lift Pump

FUELAB 200GPH VELOCITY 30306 263x300 Fuelab Power Stroke Lift Pump by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

Fuelab offers its Velocity 200 In-Line High Performance Lift Pump for the 2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Power Stroke to supply the increased fuel demands of engines modified for more power. This premium quality, powerful, speed controllable lift pump is a reliable replacement for the weak OE Ford lift pump. It has a brushless motor for long life and low current draw.

The Fuelab power stroke lift pump also has a flow through design for cool operation. Its 200 GPH high flow rate and aerospace design based poppet relief valve provides stable fuel pressure to injector pump. Hand-built in the USA. www.fuelab.com.

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iOS and Android are becoming more alike than Apple or Google want you to think

%name iOS and Android are becoming more alike than Apple or Google want you to think by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

It used to be that iOS and Android were considered polar opposites: One was all about a locked-down, walled garden that delivered a very smooth user experience while the other was a wide-open platform whose freedom came at the expense of consistent user experience. However, Jan Dawson at Techpinions points out that over the past couple of years, Apple and Google have been working to make iOS and Android a lot more alike than either company would like to have you believe.

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AIRAID Air Filters

airaid cone air filters 300x200 AIRAID Air Filters by Authcom, Nova Scotia\s Internet and Computing Solutions Provider in Kentville, Annapolis Valley

Filters/Airflow AIRAID Filter Company offers a complete line of premium performance filters, cold air intake systems, modular intake tubes computer designed for maximum air flow producing additional horsepower, torque and improved performance.

The complete AIRAID product line is available at Motor State Distributing for immediate shipment. www.motorstate.com.

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